
Advocacy
The Medical Society of DC advocates every day for the right and ability of District physicians to practice medicine. We want you to help your patients and their families using your medical knowledge with minimal government interference.
MSDC advocacy happens at many different levels:
- We work with the Council of DC, especially the Committee on Health, to shape legislation to benefit the practice of medicine
- We work with our partners in the District executive branch to ensure health regulations are proactive on public health, protective of physician right to practice, and reasonable on who can practice health care.
- With the American Medical Association and national specialty societies, we lobby Congress and the Administration to ensure national health policy does not negatively impact physicians.
- Partnering with the AMA Litigation Center, we file amicus briefs and legal suits to protect physicians and reasonable health care practices.
Learn more about our work and successes below or using the links in the menu.

Resources for MSDC Advocacy
On December 9, 2024, the MSDC Board approved its advocacy priorities for the 26th Council period. You can see them here.
MSDC has different levels of support for legislation. Learn more about the MSDC Advocacy Rankings.
Learn more about MSDC's Advocacy Curriculum and how you can prepare to advocate for your profession and patients here.
Follow issues along with MSDC on our legislation tracking page seen here.
Learn more about MSDC's advocacy successes in the 25th Council period.
Advocacy Events
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December Advocacy Forum with Dr. Klint Peebles
December 16, 2021 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Let's talk what happened in politics in 2021 and what we can expect in 2022 - come prepared to share your thoughts and issues! -
MSDC Advocacy Committee November Meeting
November 8, 2021 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Advocacy Committee will meet to discuss important legislation before the Council and Bowser Administration. -
2021 MSDC Annual Meeting and Gala
October 29, 2021 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
MSDC members can "design a better future" at our annual member event.
Advocacy News
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MSDC Testifies in Favor of Certificate of Need Reform
October 9, 2024
The bill would protect independent practices from needing to undergo a certificate of need process for making routine changes, like hiring staff.
Continue Reading -
Chair Henderson Introduced Certificate of Need Reform Bill
September 19, 2024
MSDC is encouraging physicians to testify October 9 on this important bill.
Continue Reading -
Call for Applications for New Program to Transform the Future of Healthcare
September 19, 2024
The Physicians Foundation’s Leadership Institute at Brandeis University seeks 25 visionary physicians eager to lead this transformation
Continue Reading -
MSDC Promotes Focus on Wellbeing and HEART to Prevent Physician Suicide
September 17, 2024
NPSA Day, or National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, encourages individual and system action to better support physician mental health and wellbeing.
Continue Reading